Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,
Q6. The growing momentum for seabed mining risks accelerating biodiversity loss in fragile marine ecosystems. Discuss key ecological threats. How can international regulatory frameworks be strengthened? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
Recent 2025 studies in the Clarion Clipperton Zone and UN-level debates have highlighted the urgent need to address biodiversity loss risks from the emerging seabed mining industry.Key demand of the question
The question asks for key ecological threats posed by seabed mining and ways to strengthen international frameworks to safeguard fragile marine ecosystems.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Highlight seabed mining as a rising but poorly regulated industrial activity threatening fragile deep-sea biodiversity.Body
- Ecological threats: Noise pollution, habitat destruction, sediment plumes, disrupted nutrient cycles and loss of unrecorded species threaten long-term marine ecosystem stability.
- Strengthening frameworks: Strengthen EIAs, impose moratoriums, adopt binding ISA codes, ensure transparent governance, and regulate underwater noise pollution.
Conclusion
Stress the need for science-based precautionary governance to balance mineral needs with deep-sea ecological sustainability.
